Refugees are set to move in
Last group ready to settle in region
A final group of refugees who fled the war in Syria will make North Lanarkshire their new home.
Around 50 people will relocate over the next few weeks, bringing the total to more than 180.
The council pledged to take in the refugees in 2016 with 133 currently residing across the six main towns of North Lanarkshire.
Chairman of the local authority’s Syrian Resettlement Programme Councillor Pat O’rourke said: “I am delighted that North Lanarkshire Council will continue its excellent work in providing a safe new home for even more Syrians who have been displaced as a result of the terrible circumstances in their home country.
“The people of North Lanarkshire can be rightly proud that they have provided such an understanding, compassionate and friendly welcome to the 133 Syrians who have already joined us over the last two years and I’m sure will provide a similar welcome for those still to come.”
The focus on future applications was centred on reuniting families who have been displaced.
Unfortunately, issues due to UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) procedures mean family connections in host countries are not currently being taken into account when nominating cases.
Therefore, the chances of nominated families coming to North Lanarkshire through family reunification are extremely slim.
In light of this, the Member/officer Working Group, chaired by Councillor O’rourke, agreed to make up the final group of around 50 refugees from other cases nominated through the UK Home Office and UNHCR.
Should some or all of the existing family reunification cases be nominated in the future the council would agree to receive them and thereby exceed the original pledge to over 180 that was made in 2016.
Councillor O’rourke added: “Whilst it’s disappointing that we can’t reunite some of those already here with other members of their family, I’m heartened that around 50 further Syrians will soon make North Lanarkshire their home.
“The council will continue to liaise with the UK Home Office and the UNHCR in an attempt to get those family reunification applications which are currently ongoing granted in order to bring families back together again.”